respiration
/ʁɛs.pi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word breathing is expressed in French as respiration.
Respiration refers to the physiological act or process of breathing. To distinguish related concepts, note that le souffle means breath, while le rythme respiratoire refers specifically to the breathing rhythm.
Meaning: act of respiration (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun respiration is a feminine noun derived from the verb respirer, which means to breathe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛs.pi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/ (4 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse respiration (the process) with souffle (the actual breath/air inhaled or exhaled). Use respiration for the biological function and souffle for the air itself.
Did you know?
- The phrase à bout de souffle means to be completely exhausted or out of breath. It is also the title of a landmark 1960 French New Wave film by Jean-Luc Godard.
- The word respiration shares the same Latin root as the English 'inspiration', which in a spiritual context means to breathe life into something.
- While 'breathing' is a neutral physiological term, in French, the phrase avoir le souffle coupé is used to mean being 'breathless' from shock or amazement.
Examples in context
- Concentre-toi sur ta respiration.Focus on your breathing.Tatoeba #6380928 by Aiji, translation #5356380 by Hybrid
- Sa respiration est devenue faible.His breathing became faint.Tatoeba #11153575 by lbdx, translation #286178 by CM
- Quand le rêve commence, la respiration devient irrégulière et moins profonde.When dreams begin, breathing becomes irregular and less deep.Tatoeba #139692 by superbolo, translation #139685 by superbolo
- La respiration appropriée est essentielle pour une bonne santé.Proper breathing is essential for good health
- Quand tu cours, tu respires fort.When you run, you breathe heavily
- Pratiquez la respiration profonde pour vous détendre.Practice deep breathing to relax.
- Inspirez profondément et expirez lentement.Inhale deeply and exhale slowly.
- Concentrez-vous sur votre respiration pendant la méditation.Focus on your breathing during meditation.
- Je respire à fond avant de commencer ma présentation.I take a deep breath before starting my presentation.
- Il sent le parfum à plein nez.He smells the perfume intensely.
- La nouvelle lui a coupé le souffle.The news took his breath away.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a yoga class, a teacher is giving instructions.
- HugoContrôlez votre respiration pendant l'exercice.Control your breathing during the exercise.
- ManonEst-ce que ma respiration est correcte, Hugo ?Is my breathing correct, Hugo?
- HugoOui Manon, elle est très régulière.Yes Manon, it is very regular.
- ManonMerci, je vais continuer ainsi.Thank you, I will continue like this.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breathing” translations and entries respiration, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries respiration, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
